MOOSE JAW — The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow is proving that service and collaboration are at the heart of community change, and this is further demonstrated by the fact that, in an age when many clubs and organizations are facing a shortage of volunteers and new members, the Rotary Club continues to thrive.
Speaking at the “Brunch and Learn” event, long-serving Rotarian Monty Bennett summed it up: “Our club is small, but we’re very active. And (among) service clubs, we’re one of the very few that is growing.”
Bennett outlined the many ways the Rotary Club is helping meet critical needs in the city.
“Our Rotary Club does make annual donations to a number of agencies and charitable organizations here in Moose Jaw,” Bennett said. “Of our fundraising, 60 per cent stays in Moose Jaw.”
Among the club’s regular initiatives is a hot lunch program for the city’s homeless population, organized once a month in partnership with the staff at Zion United Church.
“It’s very gratifying, good work,” Bennett said. “I know that we would love to do more if we could.”
Beyond addressing immediate needs such as food insecurity, the club continues to invest in children’s literacy programs and seeks opportunities to strengthen its impact through partnerships. Collaboration, Bennett emphasized, is becoming one of the Rotary Club’s greatest strengths.
“I think that what’s turning out to be the best thing that Rotary does here in town… is collaborating with others,” he said. “It’s my hope that each of you goes home today with perhaps the name of somebody else who’s doing something similar to you. Then, collaborating together, (maybe) we can do an even better job.”
Fundraising remains vital to sustaining the club’s work. Traditional and hosting pancake breakfasts in Wakamow Park have been supplemented by newer ventures, including a shredding day event and the patriotic flag program.
“ for the three major holidays in the summertime,” Bennett explained. “Not only is it good fundraising, but it shows that patriotism that distinguishes us as Canadians.”
The Rotary Club’s commitment is rooted in a philosophy of selfless service. Bennett closed his remarks with a quote he heard at a funeral mass for a former Rotarian: “Those things that we do for ourselves die with us; those things that we do for others and the world are immortal and live on.”
He elaborated, saying “Our Rotary mantra is ‘Service Before Self.’”
In his concluding remarks, Bennett made a call for more residents to consider joining the Rotary Club.
“Give Rotary a look. We would love to have you working with us,” he said.
To learn more about the Rotary Club, visit or email [email protected].
